Transitioning from the Royal Navy: Plotting a Course

Alex Oaks recently joined Future Biogas as a Site Operator, following 15 years of service in the Royal Navy.

Alex was experiencing uncertainty when he made his decision to make a change without a clear direction in mind. But there was also a driving force in the career change. As a father of two, Alex was determined to find a role that allowed him to spend more time with his family without the required overseas or long-distance deployments.

“I took a leap of faith and powered through with determination to make it work for me and my family. I wanted to continue to be someone they could be proud of and that I could support them in return.”

The transition back into civilian life can be made easier when you spend time with people that have shared experiences – sometimes a challenge for those from a military background. Alex identified this very early on when getting to know his new colleagues.

“I've discovered a big presence of ex-military colleagues within Future Biogas, I've found it totally refreshing, just simply talking about situations civilians would never understand.

Good times, bad times, nights out in foreign ports or even struggles of being away.

I've discovered personally that simple things of talking with like-minded people can help no end mentally and physically.”

Discussing whether any of the attributes that allow someone to succeed in military life extend to his new career, he said:

“I think there’s a grit and a sense of ‘cracking on’ with whatever task needs doing, not being afraid to put a shift in and following procedure that is comparable. It’s never going to be the same obviously, but there’s elements of the work ethic and contributing to a team effort.”

After joining Future Biogas Alex spent his first few weeks completing the necessary training and courses. His on-site time following this has been spent at Grange Farm Energy in Lincolnshire and Alex will soon be gaining some experience at nearby Heath Farm Energy. He will then eventually join the team at Moor Bioenergy, the UKs first unsubsidised biomethane site opening in 2025.

On his prospects in his new role, Alex said:

“I've never felt more positive! I've found friendship, I feel valued as an employee and not to mention like-minded colleagues. I've spent nearly 2 years feeling lost and out of place but I'm finally there and that's thanks to Future Biogas.”

If you're interested in learning more about career opportunities at Future Biogas. Please visit our Careers page.